Abstract: Systems and methods to identify and/or reduce or eliminate sample motion artifacts are disclosed. Sample motion artifacts may be reduced or eliminated using scan patterns where an acquisition time difference between when perimeter pixels in adjacent tiles are acquired is reduced, as compared to a conventional raster scan to reduce or eliminate discontinuities that would otherwise appear at tile boundaries in an image. In some embodiments, test images acquired using relatively small test scan patterns or intensities of test points acquired at different times may be compared to determine whether sample motion has occurred. In some embodiments, intensity of adjacent pixels at a tile boundary are compared. In some embodiments, intensity of one or more single pixels is monitored over time to determine whether sample motion has occurred over a period of time. In some embodiments, a flattening or reshaping tool may be used to suppress sample motion during imaging.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and kits for inhibiting cDNA synthesis of unwanted RNA species during reverse transcription. The methods and kits provided herein use blocking oligonucleotides such as those comprising locked nucleic acids (LNAs).

Abstract: An adhesive tape including a layer of adhesive composition where the adhesive composition comprises an asphaltic material, at least one polymer, and a tackifying resin. The adhesive composition can further include a plasticizing agent and an absorptive filler. The adhesive tape can be used to mount any type of flat glass or mirror to a variety of substrates.